When Damage Becomes Beautiful – 1950s Universal Genève Uni-Compax

This Universal Genève Uni-Compax was never supposed to look like this.

Made in the 1950s from 18k yellow gold, its dial has transformed over roughly 70 years into a deep chocolate brown, with an incredible cracked surface that almost looks like aged leather.

Technically, this is deterioration. But somehow, it has become the part of the watch I love most.

In this video, we take a closer look at this remarkable Uni-Compax, its Caliber 285 chronograph movement, and the strange relationship vintage watch collectors have with aging, condition and imperfection.

At what point does damage stop being damage — and become patina?